Machshava:

Chassidut 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Getting To Know Me

Description

If we identify with the deep inner light within us, then our positive self-image inspires us to repair our faults. The gentile psychological approach of boosting low self-esteem by emphasizing one's "good" points is faulty. Even if the force of good seems to win, the positive self-esteem attained must have risen from inner conceit, not from the pure and holy force of true goodness. When Yosef said "I am Yosef" he was not really angry with his brothers because he overcame the need for approval. Even if we succeed against evil, banishes his low self-esteem, and attains a positive self-esteem, we have not exchanged evil for good, but evil for evil. The goodness in us is a gift from Above. There is no place for conceit since its just a matter of recognizing the truth that I am good, because that is how Hashem created me.